ROGERS PARK — The planned restoration of Glenwood Avenue's iconic red brick can't come soon enough for some business owners.
The street, which is split in two by the Red Line, has long been known for its murals, shops and bars in the heart of the neighborhood.
But another one of its assets, the rare red brick surface, has fallen into disrepair over the years and has become a "pothole heaven," said Ron Reizner, who owns Armilla decor shop with his wife, Susan Hahn.
Ald. Joe Moore (49th) said it's taken some time to work out the details, including funding, of a project to fix the two-block stretch.
In 2013, voters in Moore's participatory budgeting program allocated $150,000 to restore the brick between Lunt and Farwell avenues. Then, the state, with help from state Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-14th), allocated another $100,000 in capital funds.
Now Moore's working with city to find the best way to move forward. A final plan — and price tag — have yet to be determined for the project.
"Having the street repaired would be fantastic," Reizner said. A restoration would also bolster the "European flavor and style" of Glenwood, he added.
Erik Archambeault, owner of Rogers Park Social, a cocktail bar on Glenwood, said "the beautification of any kind of storefront and walkway would make a huge difference" for his business.
His customers, he said, "love the cobblestone streets."
But the street has seen better days.
"We see so many bicyclists fall down right in front of the bar because it's in such bad shape," he said.
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